How to clean a bronze watch (Three Ways)

Step 1: Get the watch ready. Whip off the strap, push in the crown and make sure you‘ve given the case a good once over with a damp cloth to remove any dirt/dust/whatever else you might have got your watch covered in.

Step 2: Give it a rub. Use the scouring side of your kitchen sponge to rub the bronze of the case to remove the patination.

Method 1: Cleaning Bronze with Lemon





This first option is fast-working but requires ample elbow grease.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
– Soft cleaning rags
– Baking soda
– Lemon juice
– Rubber gloves
– Olive oil

STEP 1
First, rinse your bronze jewelry or décor in warm water to remove dust. Wipe the metal dry with a soft, clean towel or rag.

STEP 2
Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl.

STEP 3
Drip lemon juice—either fresh or concentrated—very slowly over the baking soda until the mixture is just wet enough to create a paste similar in consistency to toothpaste. You might see a little bubbling or some fizzing for a minute or two; this is normal.

STEP 4
Protect your hands with lightweight household work gloves, and then smear the cleaning paste over your bronze piece, using your fingers if the piece is small or a rag if it is large. If the piece has many nooks and crannies or ornate trim, use an old toothbrush to work the paste into the crevices.


STEP 5
With a polishing cloth, soft rag, or a scrap of an old T-shirt, work the paste into the metal with small, circular motions. Focus on any especially heavy areas of patina. Continue to rub until you don’t see any more obvious spots.

STEP 6
Let the paste dwell on the bronze for half an hour.

STEP 7
Rinse the bronze thoroughly under warm water, rubbing with your fingers to remove all of the paste.

STEP 8
Gently dry your bronze with a second soft cloth. If the patina still remains, repeat the above steps.

STEP 9
Apply two or three drops of olive oil to your rag and gently burnish the clean bronze to bring out its muted shine.



Method 2: Clean a bronze watch with Salt


This plan takes a bit longer, but you won’t have to rub as hard.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
– Soft cleaning rags
– Table salt
– White flour
– White vinegar
– Rubber gloves
– Olive oil

STEP 1
Rinse your bronze jewelry or décor under warm water to remove dust, and then dry the piece with a clean, soft rag.

STEP 2
In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of table salt and two tablespoons of white flour.

STEP 3
Slowly drip white vinegar into the bowl, mixing until the cleaner has the consistency of a thick paste.

STEP 4
Protect your hands with thin rubber work gloves and use your fingers or a clean rag to rub the paste onto the bronze. Rub in small circles to work the paste over the entire surface of the metal, including any crevices.

STEP 5
Let the paste remain on the bronze for an hour or more.

STEP 6
Use warm water to rinse away the paste, rubbing gently to remove any residue.

STEP 7
Dry the bronze with a soft, clean rag.



Method 3: with a simple way to clean a bronze watch

Step 1: Get the watch you want to clean ready. Fully open the piece and lay it on a flat surface.

Step 2: Put salt, and vinegar into a bowl.

Step 3: Mix the salt and vinegar together.

Step 4: Take a small brush (for example a toothbrush) dip it in the salt and vinegar mix and clean your watch with the brush-up and down and side to side.

Contact us